A few years ago you couldn't turn on a TV, or open a browser without hearing about the Phil Spector trial. In England, a director wanted to make a documentary for the BBC. He suggested that he try to interview Spector. Everyone dismissed this as even a remote possibility. Spector didn't grant interviews. But, Vikram Jayanti sent him a letter anyone and to everyone's surprise Spector said yes. Jayanti made it inside the castle and he spoke one-on-one with the man many in the music industry call genius and many more call murderer. Decide for yourself this week when you see THE AGONY AND THE ECSTASY OF PHIL SPECTOR, an apt title for a look at the life of the out-of-control guru of pop music who began his career with a hit he penned called "To Know Him Is To Love Him" - inspired by the epitaph on his dead-by- suicide, father's tombstone. - and who ended it, jailed for murder. Director Vikram Jayanti will appear for discussion following the film on Opening Night (8/19) and again on 8/20. From Spector's very early days, is two-time Oscar nominee, singer/songwriter Carol Connors who will introduce the 8/20, 7:30 PM show. Carol was the voice of The Teddy Bears, Spector's teen band. She sang "To Know Him Is To Love Him" and as a result, met and dated Elvis Presley. Carol will discuss Phil Spector, Before the Wall of Sound in her introductory remarks.THE AGONY AND THE ECSTASY OF PHIL SPECTOR Screens August 19 - 25 at the Egyptian Theatre in an exclusive Los Angeles Engagement at multiple showtimes. For details and showtimes click here.
KPCC Interview with Vikram Jayanti by John Rabe:
LA Weekly Story by Karina Longworth:
LA Times review by Kenneth Turan: